SQUARESPACE VS SHOPIFY

If you're launching an online store, choosing the right e-commerce platform is a crucial first step. Two of the most popular options today are Shopify and Squarespace, each offering unique features, pricing, and design capabilities tailored to different types of businesses.

In this comparison guide, we break down the pros, cons, pricing, features, and more so you can confidently choose the platform that best aligns with your business goals.

Shopify vs Squarespace: Pros & Cons

Shopify Pros

1) Robust e-commerce features built for growth

2) Massive app store for added functionality

3) 24/7 customer support and strong community

4) Easy to use with powerful customisation options

5) Supports omnichannel selling (Instagram, Amazon, Facebook)

6) Built-in POS system for retail stores

Shopify Cons

1) Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments

2) App costs can quickly add up

3) Slightly steeper learning curve for complete beginners

Squarespace Pros

1) Stunning, high-quality templates for creative brands

2) Intuitive and beginner-friendly interface

3) Excellent built-in blogging and content tools

4) In-depth analytics for site performance

5) Supports both digital and print-on-demand products

Squarespace Cons

1) Fewer e-commerce tools compared to Shopify

2) No dedicated app marketplace

3) Limited payment options and third-party integrations

Shopify vs Squarespace: Pricing Comparison

Squarespace (Annual Plans)

1) Personal – $12/month

2) Business – $18/month

3) Basic Commerce – $26/month

4) Advanced Commerce – $40/month

Shopify

1) Shopify Lite – $9/month (for embedding products on existing sites)

2) Basic Shopify – $29/month

3) Shopify – $79/month

4) Advanced Shopify – $299/month

5) Shopify Plus – From $2,000/month (for enterprise merchants)

Both platforms offer a 14-day free trial, ideal for testing before committing.

Feature Comparison: Shopify vs Squarespace

Store Builder & Customisation

Shopify: Drag-and-drop interface with full HTML/CSS access for advanced users.

Squarespace: Visual editor with inline editing and beautiful pre-designed layouts.

E-commerce Tools

Shopify: Built for selling, with features like inventory tracking, abandoned cart recovery, and shipping integrations.

Squarespace: Basic selling features ideal for small stores and creatives.

App Integrations

Shopify: Access to 8,000+ apps for loyalty programs, email marketing, and custom features.

Squarespace: No app store; limited built-in extensions only.

Payment Gateways & POS

Shopify: Supports 100+ payment gateways, plus Shopify Payments. Offers full POS hardware and software for in-store sales.

Squarespace: Fewer payment options. POS support via Square (U.S. only).

Themes & Design

Shopify: A curated collection of free and premium themes optimised for conversions.

Squarespace: Visually rich themes perfect for image-heavy, design-driven brands.

Mobile App & Store Management

Shopify: Full-featured mobile app for orders, inventory, analytics, and customer communication.

Squarespace: Multiple apps for editing, analytics, and store management, limited compared to Shopify’s capabilities.

Final Verdict: Shopify or Squarespace?

Choose Shopify if: You’re a product-based business ready to scale, sell across multiple channels, or need advanced e-commerce features.

Choose Squarespace if: You’re a service-based brand, blogger, or creative looking for beautiful templates and simple online store functionality.

Need Help Migrating or Optimising?

Whether you're switching from Squarespace to Shopify or want to enhance your current Shopify setup, we’re here to help.

As a Shopify agency, we specialise in building high-performing Shopify stores that scale with your business. Let’s talk about your goals.